Chapter 158: Dreadspire
Riku just held her, patting her back as she vented all of her misgivings.
Soon, Sherry calmed down. She took a step back, her face now red as she stole glances at Riku. Her face was flushed, and her eyes were red. She hastily wiped her cheeks with the back of her sleeve, a flicker of her usual guardedness returning.
Riku let his arms fall, giving her space.
"Thank you," she mumbled, not looking at him.
"Anytime," Riku replied softly.
Soon, they restarted their journey. The jagged peaks of the Frostfang Mountains grew larger on the horizon, a formidable wall of stone and ice separating the known world from the one that had been stolen from her.
"Sherry," Riku began, his voice even, "that kingdom... the trail we’re following for Rennan leads straight into it. Where exactly are we heading?"
She took a deep breath, composing herself. "My homeland is vast. The central province, where Nocturne is, is ruled directly by the Emperor. But the outer territories are divided into vassal states, each governed by a Darklord who swears fealty to him."
She pointed towards a specific cluster of razor-sharp peaks to their northeast. "Beyond that pass lies the vassal state of Ashvail. Its capital city is... Dreadspire. Based on your visions from earlier, that should be the place where your friend is. It’s the primary seat of power for this entire border region."